It began as another newspaper assignment, a celebrity profile of the children’s television icon. But in Fred Rogers, Texas journalist Tim Madigan found more than a fascinating subject. From their first meeting in 1995, at Rogers’ invitation, the two became unlikely friends, a deep and abiding relationship that lasted until Rogers’ death in 2003.
In that time, Madigan found Rogers to be much more than the calm and compassionate personality of television. He was a person of unique human greatness who embodied love, compassion and wisdom his every waking moment. He was the transcendent being who guided Madigan through periods of life-threatening depression and the tragic death of a sibling and helped him heal his difficult relationship with his father.
Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster (The Motel Life) wrote the script, and there's no word yet on when production could roll. The first and most difficult task will be finding someone who can play the gentle and optimistic Rogers. Another film on Rogers titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was announced earlier this year, but it's unclear where that project stands. So who do you think would be a good fit to play Mister Rogers? I can see Tobey Maguire or (as much as I don't care for him) Jim Parsons as possibilities, but maybe it would be a better idea to cast someone less recognizable?
